Atletico hit back at Uefa

Spanish club challenges Uefa claims as they prepare defence

Last updated: 15th October 2008

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Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has denied that there was any racist abuse of Marseille's players in the match that has sparked Uefa's ban on the club hosting their next two Champions League games at their own ground.

Atletico have been ordered to play the games, including next week's fixture against Liverpool, at a neutral venue at least 300 km away from Madrid and have also been fined 150,000 Euros.

But Cerezo also claimed that Atletico are being punished for previous concerns Uefa had regarding the Spanish police following the violence that erupted at the Marseille game and insisted that Uefa's complaint had been filed too late.

He said: "The reports from the two Uefa delegates show that the organisation of the club and the actions of the stewards was perfect.

"We do not feel mis-treated but we are paying the consequences for previous disagreements that Uefa have had with the Spanish police."

Racist

Cerezo added: "This club is sensitive to any kind of discrimination and at no time did the referee or the Uefa delegates consider anything to be racist.

"Some Marseille players claim that they heard noises but nobody else appeared to."

Atletico have appealed against the ban and remain confident that they will face Liverpool at the Vicente Calderon.